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How to Land a Career in Tech After College

The tech industry is growing incredibly fast at the moment, and it looks to continue on this path for the foreseeable future. So there are definitely jobs to be had.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to be easy to kick-start your tech career after college, though. If you want to get a foot in the door and get your career going, you need to take some preliminary steps while you’re still in school and then bust your butt after graduation.

Here are a few tips that should help you to make the right connections and take the right actions to ensure you’ll find a job and get your tech career underway.

Internships and Job Fairs

Your career prospects should begin well before graduation. Applying for internships gives you the opportunity to practice interviewing, at the very least. If you nab an internship, you’ll also gain experience for your resume and the chance to grow your professional network. You could even wind up with a job offer if you make a good impression.

Job fairs are also a great way to explore job opportunities and network with people who have the power to hire you after graduation. Find ways to stand out (include a photo with your resume, try to find common interests, etc.) and get business cards from hiring agents. Then follow up and maintain contact – keeping your name fresh in the minds of hiring agents could improve your odds of hire.

Start at Entry Level

I know what you’re thinking: “I’m a college graduate! I don’t need to start at the bottom!” You’re not wrong – you do have greater knowledge and skill than the average, entry-level applicant. Unfortunately, you also lack experience.

This could make it difficult to jump into the working world at an advanced level. The tech industry is competitive and many companies want to give newbies a trial run to see what they can do before they entrust them with designing integral software or managing IT security.

The good news is that you can likely negotiate for the top end of your salary range because of your degree, and you’re likely to advance more quickly, as well. Just don’t turn up your nose at entry-level positions. Everyone has to start somewhere and working your way up will give you experience and a good foundation for higher-level positions.

Be Proactive

There seems to be a common misconception that having a college degree entitles you to a job. While your PSU online program will help to imbue the knowledge and skills you need to actually do a job, very few grads have jobs waiting for them after college.

Once you graduate, it’s time to start hustling. You can begin by perfecting your resume and brushing up on your interview skills – you want to be ready if and when you are called for an interview. All that remains is to start your search.

Job search websites and online job boards are a good place to start, but sometimes going old-school can deliver unforeseen opportunities. Seek out local companies that interest you and cold call them to see if they’re hiring. Ask to speak to the head of HR or whoever is in charge of recruiting and new hires.

Ask if you can drop off your resume. Even if they’re not hiring, your initiative should impress them, especially if you talk about why you like the company and want to work for them. Plus, they’ll have your information on file when it is time to hire.

Remember to check back with positions you’re interested in, as well. Sometimes keeping your name on the lips of the hiring agent is enough to help you get a foot in the door.